Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Faisalabad (Agenzia Fides) - “A seed which was sowed in Faisalabad fifty years ago, has well grown up now, and may this plant beget much fruit in the future, and may God dwell his peace, love, grace and all his blessings upon Diocesan family forever.” These were the words of Archbishop Tito Yllana at the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the foundation of the Diocese of Faisalabad.
As the local Church tells Fides, the jubilee ceremony was attended, in addition to the Apostolic Nuncio, by the local bishop, Bishop Joseph Coutts, the bishops of several dioceses in Pakistan, and a large representation of priests, religious, and laity who revealed the progress made by the Church of Faisalabad since that April 13, 1960, day of the official erection of the diocese.
Out of a population of over 34 million inhabitants, in Faisalabad, there are about 200,000 Catholics, divided into 20 parishes entrusted to the pastoral care of about 50 priests. The seed of the Catholic faith continues to sprout, especially evident in the nearly 5,000 baptisms each year. The Catholic community is committed to bringing a message of peace, harmony, and solidarity in the territory which is marked by the problems of fundamentalism and violence.
"It 's the message and mission that we will carry forward in this Jubilee Year," said Bishop Joseph Coutts, Bishop of Faisalabad. "We are called to reach people around us, even of different faiths, bringing a message of peace and harmony. All the faithful are called to keep the flame of faith alive," he said.
One of the most important challenges for the Church – as was highlighted during the ceremony - is that of relations with Islam. The Church of Faisalabad, in the Jubilee Year, plans to renew its commitment to education and evangelization through new technologies. The launch of the official website of the Diocese is expected to take place during the Jubilee Year. (PA) (Agenzia Fides 22/04/2010)
